Michael Hope is ten years old and sleeps on a volcano. It is the 1960s, and Michael lives at the edge of the ancient flooded crater now known as Akaroa Harbour on Banks Peninsula.

Inspired by a new year and a new teacher, Michael sets out to map his home ground, charting his own history in the sheltering hills and bush.

But not all volcanoes are extinct. Not everything is above ground.

Rumblings in the adult world encroach into Michael's life, erupting, and throwing his universe into a chaos that will change him forever.

All characters, including a dog, are played by adult actors.